Dr. Oz said many supermarkets are breeding grounds for bacteria due to poor food handling and unsanitary conditions. Dr. Oz’s guest was Councilman Peter DeLucia, a health commissioner in Westchester County, N.Y.

DeLucia said most supermarket shopping carts are dirtier than a public toilet, with most of the germs collecting on the handle and the seat where children usually sit. Studies found germs and even fecal matter in these areas.

The best way to protect yourself is to wipe the cart down with an antibacterial wipe (most supermarkets supply them) and use a shopping cart cover for small children.

Another shocking secret is that a lot of the beef you see at supermarkets is older than it looks, making you vulnerable to pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and staph. Supermarkets use a practice called atmospheric packaging, which injects carbon dioxide into the packaging, preserving the beef’s red color (which makes it look fresher than it really is).

To avoid getting sick from old meat, Dr. Oz said to pay close attention to the expiration dates and to avoid buying beef that looks discolored, brownish, or just otherwise odd.

Dr. Oz said many supermarket vegetables and fruits — especially lemons and limes — are contaminated with bacteria and fecal matter, so you should wash them as soon as you get home, preferably in a solution of vinegar and water.

Aging is inevitable. Staying healthy should be a priority for every boomer. Be physically active, stay mentally sharp, remain socially engaged and follow a good diet. Staying healthy can help reduce illness and injury and also reduce medical costs. The site Retirement And Good Living has many pages and posts about health, fitness and nutrition. The site also provides several exercise videos.

Crystal

The best solution for brown spots is probably skinbright. There are imitations on the market, but they usually come with inferior ingredients.